Kayu Gangsa, the UK's only professional Malaysian Gamelan groupis set to make its first performance in Derby at Déda on Friday 16 September. The concert will feature a traditional Gamelan, the Southeast Asian Percussion orchestra, and will include a wide range of world percussion, including eastern and western instruments, in a unique fusion of musical styles.

It will be the first time the Nottinghamshire based company has been presented in Derby after having previously performed across the UK, including at the annual Malaysia Festival in Trafalgar Square for the last five years. Kayu Gangsa’s unique and original music, coupled with an infectious joy, has transfixed audiences and built a rapid fan base wherever they perform.

Déda is pleased to be hosting Kayu Gangsa’s latest performance, Malay Gamelan, and introducing their eclectic musical style, with interpretations from folk, contemporary, and classical music from Europe and Southeast Asia, to an entirely new audience.

Stephen Munn, Déda CEO & Artistic Director said “We’re delighted to be able to showcase this group of talented musicians at the start of our autumn season. Our theatre provides a great space for live music events and we hope audiences come and experience this beautiful and meditative form of music.”

Under the direction of artistic director Maziah Omar, Kayu Gangsahas have been committed to performing contemporary work influenced by South East Asian culture, in addition to promoting Malaysian culture around Europe on behalf of the Malaysian Government and Tourism industry.

Maziah has herself been involved extensively in the arts since 1974, beginning as a dancer and choreographer with the Malaysian National Dance Company. Her notable highlights include choreographing the Welcoming Ceremony at the Opening of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and choreographing the Malaysia handover at the beginning of the Opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Kagyu Gangsa will be performing Malay Gamelan on Friday 16 September, 7.30pm, at Déda, the creative centre for dance, contemporary circus and outdoor work based in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. To book tickets or for further information contact the Déda Box Office 01332 370911 or visit www.deda.uk.com

Kayu Gangsa Formed in 2004, Kayu Gangsa grew out of the only UK-based Southeast Asian performing arts company Nusantara. They have since performed all over the UK in theatres, arts centres and festivals, such as the Festival of World Cultures in Dublin, the Manchester International Festival, the annual Malaysia Festival in Trafalgar Square for the last five years as well as performing at 2013 and 2015 World Gamelan Festivals in Terengganu, Malaysia. They are committed to performing contemporary work influenced by South East Asian culture, as well as classical and traditional repertoire. They are currently based Nottingham and, in addition to performing at theatres, festivals and other cultural events, they actively promote Malaysian culture around Europe on behalf of the Malaysian Government and Tourism industry.

Déda

Déda (formerly known as Derby Dance) is a creative centre for Dance, Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Work which offers a dance and movement-focussed arts programme. The building houses two performance spaces, three professionally equipped dance studios, conferencing facilities and the CUBE café|bar. With a class curriculum of almost 50 classes a week and an extensive community development programme Déda is one of the key cultural organisations in the city. Déda receives funding from Arts Council England and Derby City Council.

About Arts Council England

The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2011 and 2015, we will invest £1.4 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk

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